After more than 20 years as CEO, Larry Autrey has announced a leadership transition at Fort Worth, Texas-based Whitley Penn (FY23 net revenue of $217.7 million), effective Jan. 1.
Nathen McEown, PIC of consulting and the firm’s chief growth officer, has been named CEO, and Toby Cotton, PIC of tax, will move into the chief operating officer role. Autrey will continue to serve the firm as executive chairman.
These changes come with a celebration of Autrey’s service to Whitley Penn, the accounting industry and the Dallas-Fort Worth community, the firm announced. Autrey has more than 30 years of tax, advisory and business valuation experience focused on public and private clients. Throughout his tenure, the firm has grown from 50 to nearly 900 employees with nine offices throughout Texas and New Mexico, eight of which opened under Autrey’s leadership. Additionally, Autrey led the firm through more than a dozen acquisitions.
“I’m beyond thrilled to see this team of esteemed professionals rise into their newly elected leadership roles,” said Autrey. “I have personally mentored both Nathen and Toby for many years and believe this is the best transition strategy for the future of the firm. As tenured Whitley Penn partners, they will hold our culture and mission of superb customer service as core pillars of what makes Whitley Penn unique. I’m looking forward to watching Whitley Penn’s growth continue under this new leadership. It has been the absolute pleasure of my career to serve this great firm for over 20 years.”
Nathen McEown
McEown said he is honored to step into the CEO role. “Having started as an intern with Whitley Penn 20 years ago in our Dallas office, I’ve had the privilege of growing alongside this exceptional firm. Larry and our firm’s leadership have continually invested so much into my growth and development that has ultimately prepared me for this role. I’m excited and fortunate to have a tremendous leadership team by my side as we continue to build on our legacy. We are committed to leading our firm through these dynamic times while continuing to serve our clients with the same dedication and entrepreneurial mindset that has defined us.”
“Having served on our management committee over the past decade, I’ve witnessed significant growth of the firm,” said Cotton. “I’m honored to step into the role of COO to help build our team and balance growth while maintaining our legacy culture.”
